The Cleveland Browns may be looking at adding an early round running back after all. According to Ian Rapoport, Melvin Gordon will visit the team on Friday:
#Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon is set to visit the Cleveland #Browns on Friday, source said. That’s an interesting one
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2015
Gordon is expected to be drafted anywhere from the middle of the 1st round and early in the 2nd. No running back has gone in the 1st round since 2012 and Trent Richardson to the Browns. Todd Gurley and Gordon are in consideration for that honor this season.
Update: Gurley is also visiting this week:
Among the pre-draft visitors for the #Browns this week: RB Todd Gurley.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) April 14, 2015
Based on history, and what some consider good depth at the position this year, either Gordon or Gurley could fall into the 2nd but it is considered unlikely. That would leave the Browns to target Gordon at #19 or a trade down.
The Browns interest in either Gordon or Gurley is uniquely interesting. The Browns want to build an offense around a great running game, so a top flight running back makes a lot of sense. On the other hand the team spent a 3rd round pick, in a trade up, on Terrance West and developed undrafted free agent Isaiah Crowell.
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There are some questions whether either West or Crowell really are able to carry the load as the primary back. Both showed signs that they could but neither is a sure thing. Much like Johnny Manziel, bailing on rookies early is only acceptable if you strongly believe in the replacement. Browns getting a look at Gordon and Gurley can help them make that decision.
This NFL Draft has a bunch of backs that could intrigue but none that seem to have the upside of Gordon or Gurley. Spending a 1st round pick on a back seems risky given the history at the position, who the Browns currently have invested in and the talent in this year’s draft.
What do you think about Melvin Gordon visiting the Browns?